Stuart Macnaughton

Practice Areas

Stuart specialises in town planning, property development, local government, heritage, and environmental law. He provides expert advice on major developments, including master planned communities, town planning appeals, drafting planning documentation, and infrastructure agreements. Stuart also advises on the enforcement of planning schemes, local laws, and regulatory laws.

Career

With over 30 years of exclusive practice in planning and environmental law, Stuart has developed a strong reputation in his field. He has successfully guided numerous clients through complex legal frameworks, ensuring compliance with various legislative requirements. Stuart's extensive experience includes advising both government and private clients on a diverse range of matters. He has played a key role in significant projects, providing insights that facilitate effective planning and development. His commitment to understanding the intricacies of planning legislation enables him to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.

Professional Memberships

Law Society of Queensland, Queensland Environmental Law Association (QELA) – Past President, he regularly presents at QELA and other industry-based seminars on matters of interest, including legislative change and case law updates, Urban Development Institute of Australia (Queensland) and Royal Australian Planning Institute (Queensland) – Associate Member, Local Government Managers Australia – Affiliate Member, Brisbane Open House Limited – Director, Australasian Land Groundwater Association (QLD), and Property Council of Australia, Planning Committee QLD.

Publications

Queensland’s affordable housing approval pathway is ready to go, From clean-up to compliance – new amendments to the contaminated land provisions, Introducing the Environmental Enforcement Order: A new compliance tool, and Changes to the forced EA amendment process.

Industry Sector Expertise

Stuart has extensive involvement in representing clients in matters concerning local governments and government-owned corporations. His deep understanding of the Local Government Act 2009 and other relevant legislation, such as the Acquisition of Land Act 1967, informs his advisory and appeal work. His experience includes advising on master planned communities, retail and commercial developments, contaminated land and land remediation, environmental issues, and infrastructure planning and charging, which involves drafting complex infrastructure agreements.

Clients

Department of Transport and Main Roads, City of Gold Coast, City of Moreton Bay, Lockyer Valley Regional Council, Toowoomba Regional Council, UnityWater, and Austin BMI Pty Ltd.

Education